Scripps Chula Vista Hospital’s Generator Fails During Blackout

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Scripps Hospital officials in Chula Vista are trying to figure out why their generator failed during the blackout. Officials point out power was restored within 90 minutes.

SAN DIEGO  Officials at Scripps Mercy Hospital in Chula Vista concede their backup generator failed during last Thursday's blackout. However, officials say no patients were harmed.

All hospitals in California are required to have a generator capable of providing power for 24 hours.

Scripps Chula Vista Vice President George Perez said their generator had recently been inspected, but when the power went out on Thursday afternoon, the generator failed. Perez said the hospital was without electricity for 90 minutes.

"Well, it's just like any other mechanical device," Perez said. "Something is not gonna work all of the time. So it's no different from that."

Perez pointed out medical devices still had power. Even so, seven patients had to be moved to other hospitals.